Intellectual property rights in Jordan

Currently, intellectual property rights are a key element of the reform agenda in USAID/Jordan"s Sector Policy Reform Program. This study includes: (1) a review of current Jordanian technological innovations and of the costs and benefits of expanding intellectual property rights and enforcement; (2) analysis of specific laws in the areas of patent, copyright, trademark, unfair competition (including trade secrets/undisclosed information), and integrated circuits; and (3) practical suggestions to expand Jordan"s intellectual property rights system and harmonize it with international systems, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) system, with minimum cost and disruption to Jordan. Particular emphasis is given to the existing intellectual property treaties as well as the obligations of the GATT Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property/World Trade Organization (TRIPs/WTO) Agreement, although it is noted that the recommendations made in the report should be followed even if Jordan does not execute the TRIPs/WTO agreement. The report demonstrates that extending legal protection in the form of new treaties and laws is not enough; rather, support systems for intellectual property rights, education and awareness training in this area, and street enforcement in raids and warnings must also be expanded. (Author abstract, modified)